If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Please read the following before sending an inquiry:
My minimum for a weekend event in the NYC Metro area is $1100.
Thank you!
With three decades of experience comprising “classical” training, as well as improvisational live performance, Grant has become one of the most sought-after independent performers in the United States, playing nearly 200 events per year. He brings his passion for music to every kind of clientele. He has performed for numerous Fortune 500 companies, a former US President, and had the honor of opening for The Who.
But, no event is too small! In fact, 30% of Grant's gigs last year were events held by private individuals with less than 60 guests.
Whether he’s “live looping” as a One Man Band, or performing as a singing guitarist, each of Grant's song arrangements is a product of the irreducible moment in which they are presented - an essential quality of live music that makes every event unique.
Overview
Hired 58 times
Serves Brooklyn, NY
Background checked
3 employees
12 years in business
Business hours
Sun9:00 am - 11:59 pmMon9:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2021
Services offered
Music types
Event type
Wedding reception
Wedding ceremony
Birthday party
Cocktail hour
Music genres
Pop / top 40
Rock / classic rock
Jazz / Blues
Covers
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
61 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Art J.
Apr 1, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Grant dazzling style and music captivated the large audience at our party with his range of music. Definitely intend to hire him again.
Details: Holiday party • 25 guests or fewer • 51 or older • Vocals • Guitar • Piano • Other strings • Jazz / Blues • Other
Grant Swift's reply
Thank you so much for the kind words Art! I hope you're doing well. It was a pleasure to play music for your family and friends.
Music Entertainment
Nancy B.
Mar 13, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Grant came to our home for a party of about 25. He arrived on time and with an assistant to help him “swiftly” set up. He performed his first set with wonderful background music to the cocktails and food. Thought the night he played songs we requested, many just as good as the original. He was welcoming to have guests join him “on stage,” and very open to requests, even figuring some out on the spot. Throughout the evening everyone was dancing and singing along. I would recommend him for your next event without hesitation.
Details: Birthday party • 25 guests or fewer • 51 or older • Guitar • Vocals • No preference • Rock / classic rock • Other
Grant Swift's reply
Thank you so much Nancy! I appreciate you having me as part of the celebration.
Music Entertainment
Mike S.
Feb 18, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Grant recently performed at my wife’s 50th Birthday party. Grant is easy going and a pleasure to work with while preparing for the party. He spent time to collaborate on a music play list and any special request. At the party he shines with talent and professionalism. Our guests truly enjoyed listening to Grant and he help the evening flow into a really memorable night. Thankfully, I will not have to research entertainment for our next party, provided that Grant is available- he will be our go to…make him yours too!
Details: Birthday party • 25 guests or fewer • 31 - 50 years old • Guitar • Jazz / Blues • Covers • Variety • Other
Grant Swift's reply
Thank you Mike! Hope you're well and thanks for a great event
Music Entertainment
Daniel H.
Oct 3, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Grant did an amazing job playing at my wedding. My now-wife had a very specific list of songs and genres of music she wanted and Grant was one of the very few with the range and talent to pull it off. He has an extremely broad repertoire and also has a number of original songs. I heard nothing but praise from my wedding guests during and after the reception.
My wife was ultimately extremely happy with the music. I also had a very complicated wedding due to beyond-the-norm in-law disagreements and complexity, but Grant was the one single wedding person I dealt with who from beginning to end was a consummate professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. We also made a significant additional on-the-spot change (extending the music) for which we reached an agreement in probably 30 seconds, and he gave me a discount to boot. Hire this man.
Details: Wedding reception • 76 - 100 guests • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • Guitar • Vocals • No preference • Jazz / Blues • Oldies • Banquet hall / ballroom
Grant Swift's reply
Hi Daniel, hope you and Joanna are doing very well! Thanks so much for having me as part of your wedding, and thanks for this wonderful review. I appreciate you!
Music Entertainment
Colton R.
Oct 26, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
I found Grant on thumbtack while looking for a ‘minstrel’ to play some of our songs while proposing. I had put a ton of planning into the idea of how I wanted to propose, I wanted to bring my fiancée to where we had our first kiss and have the same music playing, “stand by me”. Grant was quick to reply and very professional throughout. He actually made me more calm and successful on the big day. Grqnt has a genuine talent and love for his work, this was self evident. I’ve worked in the music industry and could tell right away that Grant was the right fit. He also has great falsetto! Well done Grant! She said yes, thank you!
Details: Cocktail hour • 25 guests or fewer • 31 - 50 years old • Guitar • Rock / classic rock • Variety • Covers • Other • Outdoors
Grant Swift's reply
Thank you Colton! Such a fun memory to play for you both. Hope you're well.
Music Entertainment
Credentials
Background Check
Grant Glidden
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My standard pricing as a soloist/one-man band for most events is $225/hour. Transportation up to 1 hour from NYC, setup, and breakdown are usually included free of charge. Pricing for weddings and other formal events where extra consultation and prep is needed have a minimum base rate of $325/hour. Special song arrangements and additional musicians will be billed accordingly.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Call me! I love talking on the phone with potential clients. I find that's the best and easiest way to talk through all the various things you might be envisioning for your event. No event is too large or too small for a phone call.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been singing professionally around the United States and abroad since I was 6 years old. I have a BA in Music with a focus on Theory/Composition from Fordham University. I have been playing the guitar for about 20 years, and have played various other instruments in that time as well.
